Research published this past year inFertility and Sterility revealed that nearly one out of every six couples doesn’t get pregnant—even after a year of trying. (1)

Research shows that women with chronic, low-grade vaginal infections are more likely to be infertile.

In a Reuters Health report, Dr. Sacha Krieg from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City agrees that infertility rates are on the rise.

She speculates that this may be because women are waiting longer to have children. Or, it may be because of the possible effects of environmental toxins—which includes food toxins and stress. (2)

Women are not the only ones affected by infertility. Studies show that men also deal with infertility. As it turns out, oxidative stress affects both sperm count and sperm motility. (3)(4)

5 Must-Read Tips to Fight Infertility

A number of factors contribute to infertility, including environmental toxins and women waiting longer to have children. Key nutrients can boost your fertility and increase your odds of successful conception.

While the statistics are daunting, here are some helpful tips to enhance fertility:

1. Eat More Meats, Beans, and Greens.

These three foods groups are uniquely rich in B vitamins. Leona West, a certified nutritionist, herbalist, and birth doula who specializes in fertility emphasizes the importance of vitamin B6, B12, and folate when trying to conceive.

“B6 is one of the most important nutrients for optimal fertility.”

This is because it increases progesterone. Leona says, “Progesterone is very critical in the second half of our cycle, when we’ve hopefully ovulated and conceived. Progesterone needs to be in good amounts for the next steps of fertilization, implantation, and the continuation of the early pregnancy. B6 naturally increases progesterone.”

If you decide to supplement, choose a whole food full spectrum B-vitamin complex or P5P, the natural and bioactive form of vitamin B6. Food sources include poultry, egg yolks, nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Zinc is a mineral and a micronutrient that supports the immune system, mental development, and fertility. (5)(6)(7) Zinc is equally important for both men and women.

While you can find zinc in Body Ecology’s grain-like seeds—millet, quinoa, and amaranth—the most abundant source of zinc is meat. This means that those who are at risk for low levels of zinc are vegetarians and vegans.

Leona points out, “When we have a good pH vaginally and it’s inhibiting bad bacteria, we have optimal cervical mucus. When you’re harboring bad bacteria vaginally, it can reduce the cervical mucus so much, you’re not going to have a good chance of conceiving.”

And in fact, research shows that women with chronic, low-grade vaginal infections (like bacterial vaginosis or chlamydia) are more likely to be infertile. (8)

4. Improve the Quality of Your Eggs.

Detoxification is incredibly important to balance hormones, boost fertility, and improve egg health. The Body Ecology Diet and Core Programs naturally detoxify the body while rebalancing the inner ecosystem.

Leona states, “What you eat, what you focus on, and what you clear out of your system can dramatically improve the quality of your eggs. The better quality those eggs, the better chance that a pregnancy will occur.”

Specific foods that may influence egg health are:

Broccoli

Berries

Leafy greens

Wild halibut and wild salmon

Pumpkin seeds

Eggs

Avocado

Herbs that influence egg health are ginger and turmeric.

5. Avoid Soy, Coffee, and Alcohol.

Leona also recommends avoiding soy. “Soy favors estrogen. Estrogen can oppose or inhibit progesterone. And progesterone is kind of the name of the game in terms of conceiving and preventing miscarriage.”

Small amounts of fermented soy may be okay, but if you are struggling with fertility—it may not be worth it.

If you want to conceive, Leona also recommends cutting out caffeine and alcohol. “When you look at the research, it’s mind-boggling. It can reduce chances of conceiving or affect miscarriage anywhere from 20%–90%.” For example, one study reports that, “Two cups of coffee a week could increase miscarriage by 50%. And that also means an early miscarriage.”

What To Remember Most About This Article:

A staggering number of couples aren't able to conceive—one in six couples can't get pregnant, even after a year of trying. Both men and women can be affected by infertility, which may be related to environmental toxins, advanced maternal age, or countless other factors.

You can use these 5 essential tips to fight infertility and increase your chances of healthy conception:

Eat more meats, beans, and greens. These foods are rich in B vitamins; vitamin B6 is one of the most important nutrients for optimal fertility since it increases progesterone. Fermented Spirulina is a recommended source of whole food B vitamins.

Add zinc to your diet. Zinc will support mental development, immune health, and fertility for both men and women. The chelated form of zinc is recommended for the best absorption.

Try fermented foods daily. Enjoying cultured vegetables and probiotic beverages on a daily basis will support healthy bacterial growth in the gut, as well as the vagina. A good vaginal pH encourages optimal cervical mucus for conception.

Avoid soy, coffee, and alcohol. Soy favors estrogen, which can inhibit progesterone necessary for conception. It's also recommended to cut out caffeine and alcohol when trying to conceive to improve chances of conception and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

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